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Some folks think it is strange to reject instrumental music in worship. As I address this issue I can only ask that the reader would open their heart to this discussion and keep an open and unbiased mind to the scriptures I will present in order to seek truth on this issue.
It has been my general experience to find that those who advocate the use of musical instruments do so for reasons such as "I enjoy the sound of instruments" this implies that because I (first person singular) enjoy the sound, God must as well. But remember, our mode of worship is not based on implications. Another reason I often encounter is "I am a musician and am personally offended by what you said". We can reject this argument as unsound and having no biblical basis. A third and often used reason is "look at all the references to musical instruments in the Psalms". While there are references to musical instruments in places like the Psalms, we also read of blood sacrifices, new moons and burnt offering in the Psalms, therefore, are we still to continue offering blood sacrifices and burnt offerings? (Psalm 51:19; 66:15). Can we pick and choose what verses we are going to use as a pattern for New Testament worship or are we to listen to the entire Bible?
The LORD Jesus Christ is head of the eternal church made up of the true saints, He authorizes what is acceptable in worship and likewise He would have to authorize musical instruments in worship. If He has not and they are being used, then His authority is being both ignored and overridden.
In Matthew 28:18-20 we read this command of Jesus:
"Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20).
Now note:
A.) The apostles were instructed to teach ALL things that the LORD Jesus Christ commanded.
B.) The apostles were not to ADD to the pure, spiritual teachings of Jesus.
C.) In worship we MUST obey the teachings of the Bible as set forth by Jesus and not add or take away from His truth.
Carefully consider these three propositions as we take a look at the New Testament verses that relate to music:
"And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." (Matthew 26:30).
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." (Acts 16:25).
"And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name." (Romans 15:9).
"What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." (1 Corinthians 14:15).
"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19).
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16).
"Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee." (Hebrews 2:12).
"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms." (James 5:13).
After reading all eight of these verses, can we honestly and truly say than any one of them authorize instruments? Is there a command to use instruments? An example? A hint at all? No. None whatsoever. How then can such be approved by the LORD?
Now some will say that the Greek word "psallo" translated "making melody" in Ephesians 5:19 implies or includes instruments. However, this is not the case for at least two reasons: (1) the melody comes from "the heart"; the heart is INTERNAL therefore the melody comes from us internally, our hearts, not EXTERNALLY (from instruments). Furthermore, if the theory that "psallo" points to instruments, then this would be a direct command from God and every single person in the congregation or fellowship would HAVE TO use an instrument or they would be disobeying the command of God; this of course is ridiculous. This also would hinder many many people from worshipping God because many people cannot play any musical instrument. Also note Ephesians 5:19 instructs us to BOTH sing AND make melody in our hearts, therefore one would have to do BOTH, not one or the other, so this would make it impossible for "wind instruments" such as the flute or pipe to be acceptable.
"The Greek word psallo is applied among the Greeks of modern times exclusively to sacred music, which in the Eastern Church has never been any other than vocal, instrumental music being unknown in that Church, as it was in the primitive Church." - McClintock and Strong, Cyclopedia, Volume VIII, page 739.
Note that in both Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 that to speak, teach, sing, admonish and make melody with the heart are verbal commands, none of which can be accomplished with musical instruments.
Therefore the question arises, can we justify musical instruments on the basis of faith?
"And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." (Romans 14:23).
Again, the answer is a resounding NO. That which is not faith (of Christ) is sin.
"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18,19).
If instruments of music are not called for by the LORD in worship, what does that say of those congregations or fellowships who insist on using instruments? If it is not commanded by God, then it must be of men:
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:9).
Look at the example of Nadab and Abihu, was their worship acceptable in God's sight? No. Why? Because they ADDED that which God had not commanded them. Please read Leviticus 10:1 very carefully:
"And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD." (Leviticus 10:1,2).
Even if someone feels they can add something for the better, this is not acceptable. Christian worship is based on Christ and not one's feelings! Not only is this true of instruments, but of any item that is added to worship not authorized by Jesus. Adding one's own ideas is essentially rejecting Christ's authority as head of the eternal church and therefore and I will be quite serious and honest ---- the use of instruments of music which is unauthorized by Christ, IS SIN. Dear reader, please keep in mind what the Bible says about this for it is extremely serious:
"Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds." (2 John 9-11) nas.
There is no evidence whatsoever that instrumental music is part of the doctrine of the LORD Jesus Christ. Some may advocate that it is acceptable to fellowship with those who choose to use musical instruments, but please read 2 John 9-11 over again slowly and very carefully; these verses are extremely clear that we cannot and must not. We cannot accept or encourage false doctrine for the purpose of "unity" while at the same time remain faithful to the Word of God!
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (Romans 16:17-20).
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